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Tuesday, 14 February 2017

why it's cool to care.

With it being Valentine's Day and all, I thought it would be an appropriate day to share my recent thoughts on why it's good to show that you care. Not just about your significant other or your mum, but about everything.

I feel that, especially in Britain, we find it hard to show those emotions sometimes. Maybe its down to feeling awkward because we're not used to it (a vicious spiral!), maybe it's that stiff upper lip thing, or perhaps we see it as a weakness. I know I occasionally hide how I truly feel for fear of getting hurt.

But showing and sharing those vulnerabilities is what makes us so much closer. Opening up and laying your thoughts and emotions bare in front of someone else makes us human, and we can connect on a much deeper level. Being able to say exactly how you feel is a brave thing, not a weakness.

Knowing that somebody cares about you and isn't afraid to say it is a wonderful feeling, as is being able to reciprocate it. So many of us (myself included) mask affection with teasing or sarcasm, but once I feel safe enough to, I love to love.

Looking out for people, checking in to see how they're doing, surprising them when they need a little pick-me-up - caring doesn't have to be complicated. A little goes a long way. Why wouldn't you want your loved ones to feel the best they possibly can?

Always remember that it's important to care for yourself too. I've talked about self care many times, and I think it's very important and does not make you selfish. It's not crazy to look after yourself, your mind, your body. If anything, it's one of the most sensible things you can do.

I think people are moving more towards caring for their surroundings too - so many more young people are interested in where the things they buy come from, and how they will be disposed of. Not being too wasteful. Fashion is slowing down a little. The want for "things" is becoming less. Less reckless.

Taking care of your home & surroundings. Being mindful. Bringing more life into our homes, and tending to it.

In school, we got called nerds, geeks or boffins if we ever tried hard or did well. I feel like there's still a slight hangover from that, and we're scared to talk about our achievements or dreams because of the fear that they'll be laughed at or stamped on. Some people are all too quick to celebrate and shout, "I told you so!" when ideas fail.

All businesses have setbacks, and no one becomes successful with a don't-care attitude.

Give it your all and ignore the negativity.

Ultimately, the world is a better place when we look after it & each other. It's not uncool to care, and it's not uncool to want the best for yourself and everyone around you.

Good point. I particularly agree with the need to hide your light under your bushel at school if you were bright. Thankfully, this seems to have changed. My 12-year-old nephew is exceptionally clever and doesn't feel the need to hide it nor is he picked on for being brainy. Brainy is the new popular and I say amen to that.

Yes Lyzi! It drives me up the wall when people make out that caring is uncool. I care about politics, I care about people, I care about the environment. Emotional displays are hard for me, but they make people so happy that I forget all that anxiety about it. More caring ftw!

What a beautiful post! I think we can have a tendency to whine or be shy in this country which makes it difficult to make friends. Reaching out to people who I want to be friends with is one of the hardest things about being an adult I think! It's really positive to see how many people are starting to care about issues like ethical fashion and the environment though xx